Title:Microfluidics-mediated Liposomal Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy:
Recent Developments on Advanced Devices and Technologies
Volume: 24
Issue: 14
Author(s): Seyed Morteza Naghib*Kave Mohammad-Jafari
Affiliation:
- Department of Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Iran University of Science and Technology, P.O.
Box 16846-13114, Tehran, Iran
Keywords:
Microfluidics, Liposome, Nanoparticles, Drug delivery, Cancer therapy, Targeting.
Abstract: Liposomes, spherical particles with phospholipid double layers, have been extensively
studied over the years as a means of drug administration. Conventional manufacturing techniques
like thin-film hydration and extrusion have limitations in controlling liposome size and distribution.
Microfluidics enables superior tuning of parameters during the self-assembly of liposomes,
producing uniform populations. This review summarizes microfluidic methods for engineering liposomes,
including hydrodynamic flow focusing, jetting, micro mixing, and double emulsions.
The precise control over size and lamellarity afforded by microfluidics has advantages for cancer
therapy. Liposomes created through microfluidics and designed to encapsulate chemotherapy
drugs have exhibited several advantageous properties in cancer treatment. They showcase enhanced
permeability and retention effects, allowing them to accumulate specifically in tumor tissues
passively. This passive targeting of tumors results in improved drug delivery and efficacy
while reducing systemic toxicity. Promising results have been observed in pancreatic, lung, breast,
and ovarian cancer models, making them a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy. Surface-modified
liposomes, like antibodies or carbohydrates, also achieve active targeting. Overall, microfluidic
fabrication improves reproducibility and scalability compared to traditional methods
while maintaining drug loading and biological efficacy. Microfluidics-engineered liposomal formulations
hold significant potential to overcome challenges in nanomedicine-based cancer treatment.